President Bola Tinubu's administration is walking a political tightrope after the U.S. conducted air strikes in Nigeria's northwest against Islamic State affiliates accused of killing Christians.
The strikes in Nigeria's Sokoto state in the early hours of December 26 eliminated several Islamic State fighters responsible for attacks that Trump said targeted "primarily, innocent Christians, at ?levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!" While it hasn't been possible to confirm casualties, residents living near the Buani forest in the Tangaza district of the state reported hearing blasts and finding explosive debris.
Though Nigerian officials corroborated the claim, saying it was a collaboration between both countries, there are signs that U.S. involvement may become a political burden for the Tinubu administration. Following the attack, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar said Tinubu gave his consent for the strikes on the condition "that it must be made clear that it is a joint operation, and it is not targeting any religion."
